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Training, continuing education is best strategy for planning and zoning risk management
Published on December 16, 2019
Continuing education and training is an important planning and zoning risk management strategy for local governments in Michigan. While Michigan has many training opportunities, participation could be greater. -
Administrative decisions require careful application to ordinance standards: Part 1
Published on March 21, 2023
Base decisions only on explicit standards in the ordinance to avoid a challenge of being unreasonable, arbitrary or capricious. -
Code of conduct for planning commissioners and zoning board of appeals members
Published on November 7, 2019
Use of a code of conduct/oath of office is recommended for planning commissioner and zoning board of appeals members. It helps underscore a person’s role, expected behavior, and differences between elected officials and members of administrative bodies. -
How to spot a spot zoning
Published on April 13, 2023
When considering a rezoning, remember four key criteria to avoid creating a spot zone. -
Zoning petitions: What are citizens’ options?
Published on April 19, 2023
Zoning ordinances or zoning amendments are approved by local bodies of elected officials; however, citizens of municipalities in Michigan can submit petitions to challenge new zoning laws. -
Advantages of form-based zoning account for its growing popularity
Published on October 24, 2012
Form-based zoning is starting to catch on with local governments in Michigan. There is a long list of advantages of form-based zoning. -
Document every step in zoning ordinance adoption
Published on November 28, 2016
It is important to document, in writing, every step when adopting or amending a zoning ordinance. Do not trust memory, or the ability to go back at a later date to find needed documentation. -
Do you require training for your zoning administrator? You should
Published on September 1, 2020
Zoning administrators are among the most important local officials – how well they do, or not do - their jobs have a great impact on the future of their communities. -
Do not underfund a planning and zoning program
Published on March 29, 2016
Under budgeting for planning and zoning may result in a poorly run planning and zoning program which may do more harm than good. Cost savings can be realized by use of joint planning, sharing zoning administrator services, and other cooperative efforts. -
Administration of zoning seldom results in property takings but claims are more frequent, Part 2
Published on December 19, 2013
Property takings are always something government regulators should be concerned about. But understanding how a takings claim is analyzed can help waylay fears. -
Form-based zoning becoming popular for its difference from conventional zoning
Published on October 17, 2012
Form-based zoning is starting to catch on with local governments in Michigan. There are key differences between form-based and conventional zoning which has led to its popularity. -
What is the status of my zoning board of appeals?
Published on December 31, 2013
For many rural townships in Michigan, the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) may see sparse and irregular action, often with a year or more between meetings. -
Common problems we observe in local zoning: Part 2
Published on October 22, 2015
MSU Extension land use specialists are often reading zoning from many different communities. Doing so shows us some common problems which should be corrected in zoning. -
Building successful communities of every size
Published on August 26, 2022
MSU Extension's Citizen Planner Program is a proven solution providing a unique platform for learning the fundamentals of planning and zoning. -
Planning and zoning for solar in Michigan
Published on April 13, 2023
The economics of solar have never been better and individuals, businesses, utilities and cooperatives are planning projects all over Michigan. Is your community ready? -
Why care about planning and zoning?
Published on September 15, 2023
Being involved in planning and zoning is a great way to help shape the future of your community. -
With higher Great Lakes, review zoning for coastal resiliency: Part 2
Published on November 21, 2014
Coastal hazards affecting public and private property change as weather, seasons, and climate change. With such a dynamic system, zoning regulations along the Great Lakes may need to be amended in order to protect property and Great Lakes access. -
Zoning approvals are limited as to what conditions can be imposed
Published on July 20, 2016
Local government does not have free reign for imposing conditions. An imposed condition should relate back to the zoning ordinance standards for approval. -
Zoning permit approvals should not happen in a vacuum
Published on January 17, 2013
You apply for a zoning permit. What happens between application and getting, or not, the permit? It should be a set step-by-step process. -
Sample Wildfire Hazard Zoning helps communities protect against property and life loss
Published on May 15, 2013
Wildfires are common in Michigan, and individuals and local governments both play roles in addressing wildfire mitigation and protection to make communities safer.